rksquire
Head Pro
Further to a post a few weeks ago regarding equipment, I took on board forum advice and have road tested a few GI sets of irons, all on the course either as practice sessions or 1/2 and full rounds. I've tried Rocketballz, G20, S3 and jpx 800 HD. Of those, I really got on with the G20s and S3s so have played a round with the former and 27 holes with the latter.
All above vs my Dunlop TI irons: I'd got to the stage where I was hitting the Dunlops reasonably well, most of the time - scores generally in the high 80s over winter (partly due to decent driving). My grip was very strong and seemed to play well with consistent contact when my swing was decent. However, on testing, what I thought /felt was the same setup seen all shots with the clubs go slightly right, some even with a minor fade. I don't know why but a less strong/ neutral grip promoted much better accuracy.
Shot shape was different, all launched much higher, although the S3s didn't feel like it had the same penetration as the others through the air, but clearly only a perception as comparable distances were okay. That said, the S3s were more accurate. They all made a much better sound at impact, which actually increases confidence despite in my head knowing that should be nonsense.
Distance wise, and with my eyes wide open regarding jacked lofts, they all outstripped the dunlops by up 2 to 2.5 clubs. I'm not - or wasn't - overly concerned with distance, but the fact I was looking at a hittable 5i for a 185 par actually opens up a world of 'safer' low risk shots. For example, all but one hole (470 par 4) on my regular course is now available to me in regulation without having to hit the Dunlop 3 wood (low success percentage).
Other benefits appear to be more reliable chip shots around the greens and pitch shots from 50 and in. 70 to 90 yards was problematic, with me generally falling short of the green. The Dunlop sand wedge was reasonably reliable for me at these distances but not from 50 and in. My bad shot (sloppy weight shift & rotation sees me hit fat) didn't miraculously get fixed; however, I haven't hit a 10 yard chunk.
The S3s have tempted me (accuracy & cost) and I played a full round with them today. Shot an 88, not really any different to previous scores, except I drove the ball really badly (170 skied fade; a 270 (downhill) straight pull to far side of next fairway etc) and only hit 2 fairways - normal average is 8. Despite this, felt the irons rescued me a lot. 3/5 greens on the par 3s, pulling me back into play after bad tee shots (cost me at least 5 shots today), the higher launch meaning I've the option of going over obstructions.
I'm able to hold onto them for another week, ideally I'll get a round in with them having my second from the fairway. I wouldn't mind another round with the G20s but ultimately it looks like a new (2nd hand) set of irons by the weekend.
All above vs my Dunlop TI irons: I'd got to the stage where I was hitting the Dunlops reasonably well, most of the time - scores generally in the high 80s over winter (partly due to decent driving). My grip was very strong and seemed to play well with consistent contact when my swing was decent. However, on testing, what I thought /felt was the same setup seen all shots with the clubs go slightly right, some even with a minor fade. I don't know why but a less strong/ neutral grip promoted much better accuracy.
Shot shape was different, all launched much higher, although the S3s didn't feel like it had the same penetration as the others through the air, but clearly only a perception as comparable distances were okay. That said, the S3s were more accurate. They all made a much better sound at impact, which actually increases confidence despite in my head knowing that should be nonsense.
Distance wise, and with my eyes wide open regarding jacked lofts, they all outstripped the dunlops by up 2 to 2.5 clubs. I'm not - or wasn't - overly concerned with distance, but the fact I was looking at a hittable 5i for a 185 par actually opens up a world of 'safer' low risk shots. For example, all but one hole (470 par 4) on my regular course is now available to me in regulation without having to hit the Dunlop 3 wood (low success percentage).
Other benefits appear to be more reliable chip shots around the greens and pitch shots from 50 and in. 70 to 90 yards was problematic, with me generally falling short of the green. The Dunlop sand wedge was reasonably reliable for me at these distances but not from 50 and in. My bad shot (sloppy weight shift & rotation sees me hit fat) didn't miraculously get fixed; however, I haven't hit a 10 yard chunk.
The S3s have tempted me (accuracy & cost) and I played a full round with them today. Shot an 88, not really any different to previous scores, except I drove the ball really badly (170 skied fade; a 270 (downhill) straight pull to far side of next fairway etc) and only hit 2 fairways - normal average is 8. Despite this, felt the irons rescued me a lot. 3/5 greens on the par 3s, pulling me back into play after bad tee shots (cost me at least 5 shots today), the higher launch meaning I've the option of going over obstructions.
I'm able to hold onto them for another week, ideally I'll get a round in with them having my second from the fairway. I wouldn't mind another round with the G20s but ultimately it looks like a new (2nd hand) set of irons by the weekend.
